Thread: Modern Vs. Ancient Wedges

Different steels will always feel different. Most Sheffield blades are on the softer end of the razor spectrum, so they feel very smooth and forgiving, even with a stiff grind. Other heavy grind razors, such as American and Swedish and even German are harder, and if you are not careful with your honing you can end up with a harsh and unforgiving feeling. But, when properly honed, they are very very comfortable to shave with as well.

I do not know, but I would assume that modern quarter hollows are more like the vintage German and American razors than the vintage Sheffields.

Originally Posted by GringoMexicano

I have nothing intellegent to add, maybe the GOINS has some information about them. A good looking french cutter, have to say.

And cut it does. I sometimes go three or four days without shaving, and this mademoiselle plows through it not leaving a whisker standing.

But, what is "GOINS?"

Originally Posted by GeauxLSU

But, what is "GOINS?"

GOINS Encylopedia of Cutlery Markings,

Goins' Encyclopedia of Cutlery (Antique Knife & Razor) Markings

I have some vintage wedges such as W&Bs, Dewsnaps, Wostenholms, Jonthan Crookes. I also have what Wacker considers a wedge (the stosser model 4) and a Hart Steel. The Wacker wedge is actually much closer in grind to the Hart and my other 1/4 ground razors than to a true wedge or near wedge. All provide excellent clean close comfortable shaves. I have a number of highly regarded razors honed by folks that know what they are doing (Lynn, Sham, etc), and for what it is worth the first razor that has really impressed me as providing a shaving experience that is perhaps a cut above all the others is the Hart Steel.

Originally Posted by GringoMexicano

GOINS Encylopedia of Cutlery Markings,

Goins' Encyclopedia of Cutlery (Antique Knife & Razor) Markings

Thank you, sir!

I have a soft spot of the old Sheffield wedges. I shaved this morning with a mid 1800's W Greaves, 7/8 wedge and it is a sensational shaver.

i guess it depends what you call 'modern'. the only current mass production is the hart steel and the limited thiers-issard and wackers.

i personally would consider 'modern' stuff like the wedge models of hess, dubl duck, red imp, heljestrand... basically anything that isn't 1800s sheffield. to me there is a clear difference that separates them in to camps.

and then for all practical purposes i'm calling a 'wedge' anything that's thicker grind than say 1/2 hollow, they all have the same stiffness.

Originally Posted by gugi

i guess it depends what you call 'modern'. the only current mass production is the hart steel and the limited thiers-issard and wackers.

i personally would consider 'modern' stuff like the wedge models of hess, dubl duck, red imp, heljestrand... basically anything that isn't 1800s sheffield. to me there is a clear difference that separates them in to camps.

and then for all practical purposes i'm calling a 'wedge' anything that's thicker grind than say 1/2 hollow, they all have the same stiffness.

You make a good point, Gugi, I guess by "modern" I mean 21st century. Which of the 20th century marks that you mentioned (hess, dubl duck, red imp, heljestrand) made true (or at least concave) wedges?

I've tried 2 sheffield wedges, Wacker Mod 4, and 1/2 dozen 1/4 grinds - modern & vintage.

I like the heavy grinds as well as the light ones. I must reserved judgment on the sheffields, as I'm not convinced I've gotten a good enough edge on one to evaluate. The steel feels lighter for it's size - almost like cast vs forged steel. Wacker Mod 4 (Stosser Wedge) is wonderful. The 1/4 grind wacker is wonderful. 1/4 grind William is wonderful. I hope to try a good edge on Sheffields to compare.

If you've not tried a heavier grind - I can't recommend it enough. As with any blade, the quality of the edge finishing seems to overshadow most other attributes. A great blade with either a sub-standard finish, or a finish that's good, but not to your preferences will throw your evaluation way off, which is why I reserve judgment on the sheffields.

As far as I know almost nobody made 'true wedge' razors. There is always at least a little bit of hollowing, so that the razor can be sharpened easily. Here are few examples of XX century razors with stiff grind that I have laying around (every picture is a different model):
JA Hellberg (Eskilstuna Sweden)


CV Heljestrand (Eskilstuna Sweden)




Puma (Germany)



Boker (Germany)